SWEET maker Glisten has reported a golden set of first half results after a bumper Christmas which saw demand for its luxury chocolate soar.

The firm, announcing its first set of interim results since floating on the AIM market last June, posted a 11.5 per cent hike in pre-tax profits to é852,000 from é764,000 last time. Turnover was up from é7.7m to é8.5m.

The market reacted warmly to the news as shares nudged up 3 per cent to 101.5p.

Blackburn-based Glisten supplies own brand sweets and chocolate to a number of UK supermarket giants.

Its chief executive Paul Simmonds said the group has increased it product range, particularly in the luxury market, and it is well placed for the future.

"Sales for the first quarter are eight per cent ahead of last year. We are confident this will be an excellent first year of trading for the group."